Can I insure my Digital camera against losing it?

April 6, 2006 11:38 AM

having just lost an expensive digital camara, and having had to replace it, is their some type of insurance that covers losing such items? I know renters insurance covers you if you get broken into, but I'm more concerned with losing items in public. If there is something available, what does it cost, is it worth it ?? etc. I live in Austin, Texas.
posted by leftfooter to work & money (11 comments total)

I had the same question. You need a rider.
posted by grabbingsand at 11:40 AM on April 6, 2006

I pay 25 dollars a year for my rider on my 350xt and lenses. This is through travelers.
posted by Lord_Pall at 12:00 PM on April 6, 2006

I live in Austin Texas as well. Don't come by and steal my camera. :)
posted by Lord_Pall at 12:01 PM on April 6, 2006

Travelers? Is that the name of an insurance company?

Don't worry, I'll be good for now but if I lose my new one, no one is safe!
posted by leftfooter at 1:05 PM on April 6, 2006

Not really a long-term solution, but I was (pleasantly) surprised to find out that since I bought a digital camera of mine on my AmEx Blue card, they will replace it for 90 days after purchase if it's lost/stolen/accidentally damaged. Turns out my (brand new) camera was nicked in Paris, I've already entered the paperwork and should have a credit in a few days. That was for the pocket camera, the SLRs all have their own coverage as part of my renters'.
posted by GreenTentacle at 1:07 PM on April 6, 2006

Depending on your coverage you may not need a rider - some policies automatically cover things when you're out and about in the world, though I think that's more common with home owners insurance than renters for some reason. Check your policy and talk to your agent.
posted by phearlez at 1:27 PM on April 6, 2006

I paid something like $6 per year to insure my ipod.
posted by kdern at 2:16 PM on April 6, 2006

I have an all risk Personal Articles policy for my cameras and laptop as a rider on my renter's insurance. It's pretty reasonable. You might also look into other inland marine policies (don't know why they're called that). Safeware.com is also good, but I don't think they'll do just a camera. I've also seen the folks at h2oinsurance.com recommended (you need a DAN membership, but that's pretty cheap).
posted by rbs at 2:37 PM on April 6, 2006

You might want to consider a separate policy (often called a personal articles policy, inland floater, or inland marine) for the camera rather than a rider on your homeowner's or renter's insurance. The reason being, a lot of homeowner's insurers are real bastards and will jack up your rates or outright cancel your insurance if you have "too many" claims. If this happens to your personal articles policy, well, that'd suck, but if it happens to your homeowner's insurance, you are well and truly scrod, and you may have trouble getting insured again, even by another company, once you've been dropped.

I insured my laptop and a bunch of camera gear with State Farm ($7000 coverage total) and it costs me $83 a year. Well worth it for the peace of mind.
posted by kindall at 5:07 PM on April 6, 2006

We have a personal articles policy on my wife's laptop ($30/year through State Farm in MI). AFAIK, they will cover any goods you're worried about damaging/losing/getting stolen.
posted by sluggo at 5:12 PM on April 6, 2006

I'm a musician, and I cover my instruments and other gear, at home, at the club, and in transport, using an inland marine policy. I don't know if that would cover your camera or not, but it might. (I have mine through Nationwide, if that's of interest.)
posted by wheat at 9:59 AM on April 7, 2006